Two rivals torn apart by a dark memory reunite on a deadly hunt—and in an irresistibly twisted fairy tale—in the next steamy standalone fantasy romance fromNew York Timesbestselling sensation Kerri Maniscalco.
A wicked prince determined to save his kingdom.
Gabriel Axton—infamous as the Prince of Gluttony, the self-proclaimed rake of rakes—has always lived for indulgence: in delicious food, in tantalizing women, and most of all, in the thrill of the hunt, where his love of danger can take over. But when his favorite adventure takes a deadly turn, he realizes something is very wrong in his demon court. With the clock ticking, he must turn to the only one who might uncover the truth: a journalist he has spent a decade avoiding…
A reporter hell-bent on finding the truth.
Adriana Saint Lucent has been on the hunt for years—if she could just report something damning enough about that no-good scoundrel Gabriel Axton, she knows others would finally see the demon as she does. But she never expected to turn up a rumor too terrifying to be believed: could the ice dragons to the north be growing restless? Drawn into the secrets of the Underworld, Adriana’s investigation leads her into the place she dreads most…Axton’s infamous court.
A dangerous rivalry—and deliciously twisted fairy tale.
To stop darkness from falling over their kingdom, Axton and Adriana will have to unite against an escalating danger. But with each holding tight to their own secrets, can they find the truth before it’s too late? And what will they do with an equally troubling rumor: that they might not actually hate one another, after all?
I'm mostly on instagram--where I'm always ready to talk fictional crushes and nerd out over books. (Okay, okay. And I've also been known to share snippets and teasers from my upcoming novels, if you're into that sort of thing...) Please feel free to chat with me there @KerriManiscalco. I love talking with fellow readers!
Kerri Maniscalco grew up in a semi-haunted house outside NYC where her fascination with gothic settings began. In her spare time she reads everything she can get her hands on, cooks all kinds of food with her family and friends, and drinks entirely too much tea while discussing life’s finer points with her cats.
She is the #1 NYT and USA Today bestselling author of the STALKING JACK THE RIPPER quartet, the KINGDOM OF THE WICKED trilogy, and her forthcoming adult debut, THRONE OF THE FALLEN, set within the KINGDOM OF THE WICKED universe. Two other un-named titles will also be set within the KOTW world and will follow two different princes.
The question is not which prince this is about, or what the cover is going to look like. The question is whether I can wait till September for this release without losing my mind.
Sept 9: THE wAY i GUESSED THE TITLE 🫨 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.5 October 1st: This was an enjoyable read with some great moments, but I found the plot to be quite underwhelming overall. The characters and their chemistry really carried the story, but the plot itself could have used more development. The ending felt rushed and lazy, and not in a surprising or satisfying way. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up liking Gluttony. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book, which I’m sure will be focused on Lust (my favourite)!
big thank you to edelweiss, the publisher, and the author for this arc.
5 stars.
kerri has done it again: this book was just as entertaining as its predecessor, and god knows that's all i ask for. a book doesn't have to be the greatest piece of literature in existence to get five stars; it just has to be a fun experience. and this was precisely that. it kept me engaged, curious, was easy to pick up again, and overall, a nice place to escape into. (just don't count the number of times the word "rake" or "rakish" is used in this book, and you'll be fine. 🫣)
if you enjoyed throne of the fallen, you will for sure like this book just as much. i can't wait to see what house kerri will tackle next. 😌
You had me at Prince Gluttony! He is one of my favorite from Kingdom of the Wicked and I cannot wait to read his and Adriana Saint Lucient’s story! Between all the teasers on Kerri Maniscalco’s instagram and the sneak peek chapters in the Barnes and Noble edition of Throne of the Fallen, I cannot wait to read it!
The banter between Gluttony and Adriana is about to be so so good! 💙
If I stay up until 2 AM reading a Kerri Maniscalco book, you know it’s good! Think Cinderella meets The Bachelor, Gossip Girl, and a dash of Bridgerton season 2.
Indulging in Sinful Delights: A Review of Kerri Maniscalco's Latest Fantasy Romance
Once upon a time, in a realm far darker and more delicious than our own, there lived a devilishly handsome prince with an insatiable appetite for danger. Sound familiar? Well, buckle up, dear readers, because Kerri Maniscalco's "Throne of Secrets" is about to take you on a wild ride through the Underworld that'll leave you breathless, bothered, and begging for more.
A Tantalizing Taste of Temptation
Let's be real – who doesn't love a good enemies-to-lovers story? Throw in some demons, ice dragons, and a healthy dose of sexual tension, and you've got yourself a recipe for one hell of a page-turner. Maniscalco, known for her knack for blending romance with mystery in series like "Stalking Jack the Ripper" and "Kingdom of the Wicked," has outdone herself with this second installment in her "Prince of Sin" series.
The Story: A Dance of Desire and Danger
Our tale follows two delightfully stubborn protagonists:
• Gabriel Axton: The infamous Prince of Gluttony, a self-proclaimed rake with a penchant for indulgence and a secret heart of gold (though he'd never admit it) • Adriana Saint Lucent: A feisty journalist determined to expose Axton's wicked ways, all while battling her own inconvenient attraction to the infuriating prince
When rumors of restless ice dragons threaten the realm, these two rivals are forced to work together to uncover the truth. But as they dig deeper into the secrets of the Underworld, they might just discover that the greatest danger lies in their growing feelings for each other. Oh, the horror!
Worldbuilding: Welcome to the Seven Circles of Sin
Maniscalco has crafted a richly imagined Underworld that'll have you wishing you could book a one-way ticket to House Gluttony (first class, of course). The Seven Circles, each ruled by a devastatingly attractive Prince of Sin, are a playground of indulgence and intrigue. From the opulent parties at Axton's castle to the mysterious Seven Sins club where masks and secrets reign supreme, every setting drips with atmosphere and sensuality.
Standout Elements:
1. The magic system: A clever blend of demonic powers, blood oaths, and hexed objects that keeps you guessing 2. The ice dragons: Majestic, terrifying, and possibly hiding a dark secret (no spoilers here, folks!) 3. The supporting cast: A colorful array of demons, suitors, and shady characters that bring the world to life
Characters: Falling in Love with the Damned
Let's talk about our leading couple, shall we? Gabriel Axton is the kind of hero you love to hate... until you just plain love him. His journey from unrepentant rake to a demon wrestling with unexpected feelings is a joy to watch unfold. And Adriana? She's a spitfire with a pen sharper than any sword, determined to resist Axton's charms (spoiler alert: it's not going well for her).
But it's not just our main duo that shines. The supporting cast is equally captivating:
• Val: Axton's no-nonsense second-in-command (someone give this woman a raise) • Eden: Adriana's sister and unexpected suitor in Axton's bride hunt (awkward family dinners, anyone?) • The other Princes of Sin: Each more intriguing than the last (is it too early to start shipping?)
Romance: A Slow Burn That'll Set Your Soul on Fire
If you like your romance with a side of witty banter and simmering sexual tension, you're in for a treat. Maniscalco excels at building the attraction between Axton and Adriana, their verbal sparring matches crackling with electricity. And when they finally give in to temptation? Let's just say you might want to keep a fan handy.
Swoon-Worthy Moments:
• The masked encounters at the Seven Sins club (identity porn at its finest) • Axton's growing protectiveness over Adriana (he's not jealous, he swears) • That kiss. You know the one. (If you don't, what are you waiting for? Go read this book!)
Plot: A Labyrinth of Secrets and Schemes
While the romance is undoubtedly a highlight, "Throne of Secrets" doesn't skimp on the plot. Maniscalco weaves a complex tapestry of political intrigue, magical mysteries, and personal vendettas that'll keep you guessing until the very end. The pacing is relentless, with each chapter ending on a cliffhanger that'll have you saying "just one more" until suddenly it's 3 AM and you've finished the book.
Key Plot Points:
• The ice dragon attacks: What's causing them, and can they be stopped? • Axton's bride hunt: A clever cover-up or a genuine search for love? • The blood oath: A magical bond that forces our leads together (as if they needed the excuse)
Writing Style: A Feast for the Senses
Maniscalco's prose is as indulgent as Axton himself, rich with vivid descriptions and clever turns of phrase. She has a knack for balancing humor with heat, creating a reading experience that's both entertaining and emotionally satisfying. The dual POV structure allows us to delve deep into both Axton and Adriana's minds, making their eventual coming together all the more rewarding.
Comparisons and Context
If you enjoyed Maniscalco's previous works, you'll find familiar elements here – the mystery-solving heroine, the swoon-worthy love interest, the historical-fantasy setting. But "Throne of Secrets" takes things up a notch, with more mature themes and steamier content than her YA offerings.
Fans of Sarah J. Maas's "A Court of Thorns and Roses" series or Jennifer L. Armentrout's "From Blood and Ash" will find plenty to love here. The blend of fantasy, romance, and political intrigue is reminiscent of C.L. Wilson's "Tairen Soul" series, while the demon court setting might appeal to readers of Kresley Cole's "Immortals After Dark."
Critiques: A Few Bumps in the Underworld Road
No book is perfect, and "Throne of Secrets" does have a few minor issues:
• The pacing can feel rushed at times, particularly in the latter half of the book • Some secondary characters could use more development (but hey, that's what sequels are for, right?) • The worldbuilding, while rich, occasionally leaves you wanting more explanation
However, these are small quibbles in an otherwise thoroughly enjoyable read.
Final Verdict: A Sinfully Good Time
"Throne of Secrets" is a delightful romp through a world of sin, secrets, and smoldering looks. Maniscalco has crafted a tale that's equal parts sexy and suspenseful, with characters you can't help but root for (even when they're being idiots). It's the perfect escape for anyone looking to indulge in a little fantasy romance.
Reasons to Read:
1. Enemies-to-lovers romance that'll make your heart race 2. A unique fantasy world full of demons, magic, and intrigue 3. Strong, complex characters with genuine growth arcs 4. A plot that keeps you guessing until the very end 5. Enough heat to melt even the iciest of dragons
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
A five star sequel, in my opinion. There is SO much tension in this enemies to lovers / hate to love. We have Gluttony, dragons, a high-stakes mystery, and our quick-witted, spitfire protagonist. The romance did take longer than I usually like to really hit off, with our two main characters working together just toward the 75% mark of the story. I loved the dynamic and banter between Gluttony and Adriana and enjoyed the fact that they share history, as that made their hatred for each other feel more realistic. In addition to the romance, the second book really builds on the world and an overall greater plot- which is a nice setup for future books in the world. I'm excited for more installments of this series! The first book was one of my favorites last year, and this one was also a fav of 2024!
Un pouco decepcionada. A historia base/trama ten sentido e é moi entretida pero si que é certo que hai moitas cousas sen atar no final. Entendo que serán cousas que se retomen nos próximos libros aínda que son standalones. O romance: wtf o final. Non ten sentido e arránxano en des páxinas coma quen di, son personaxes de carácteres fortes non ten xeito esa velocidade cando non a houbo no resto do libro. Also, o libro prometía ou indicaba que ían pasar cousas que non-vainilla e honestamente foi decepcionante lmao
En resumen, gustoume porque me gustaron as personaxes e a trama PERO considero que o final (rollo o último 20%) foi demasiado acelerado, parece como se se fose a quedar sen páxinas a autora.
This was junk food! Whatever! I had a lot of fun with it. I started with this book with NO frame of reference and I liked it! It was perfect for my first week of being a full time grad student. I am gonna read the next one now!
(Obviously I read a physical arc from my job as a bookseller.)
A good 3. 5 ⭐️'s. It would have been a resounding 4⭐️s, but I felt the second part of the book was where all the plot points were. It also had a number of spelling mistakes and formatting issues which annoyed me.